Alyanna's 18th birthday.

We celebrated my cousin Alyanna's 18th birthday last July 11th, 2014 at Andrea North Towers in New Manila Q.C. wearing our best all-black formal outfits. I did my grandma's hair and makeup (which I'm always asked to do during events fyi. lol) and my sexy cousin Nina also helped out in styling our ever dearest Lola Au. My guy cousins, uncles and Pop all looked dapper with their black polos and suits. While the girls, aunties and my Momma are all so elegant and classy with their very own all-black number.

The debutante of course was the fairest of us all during that night. She glowed perfectly a midst the black suits and dresses when she decided to put up a white Grecian inspired gown paired with gold details to seal the whole get up. From being a chubby, bubbly, and playful kid back in the days, now she has evolved into a very fine, sophisticated and beautiful young lady.

Alyanna @ 18

Alyanna is Tito Aldrix and Tita Elaine's firstborn. They're family migrated to Canada about five years ago. While my uncle was able to spend his vacation here a few years ago, this was actually the first time that she, Tita Elaine and her brother Adriel, were able to return back after they left for Canada back in 2009. So basically, this celebration was also an instant reunion for our family! I can't deny the weird fact that I'm a big fan of family reunions! *insert grinning emoticon here*

The venue was beautifully done with balloons on the ceiling and cherry blossom-like flowers on each table. The lighting was superb too, I must say. Perfect for photo ops, yay! ;)

The venue at Andrea North Tower events hall.

Love this candle set up! <3

Polaroid photos are timeless. (P.S. We took these while waiting. Impatient kiddos. lol)

I have to admit, I was starving that night so please excuse my plate loaded with carbs. Tnx. LOL

What I decided to wear during that night was not as I have originally planned. I was thinking of wearing the usual black cocktail dress that every lady guests is expected to wear. But thanks to the heavenly gods and goddesses from up there whom I'm pretty sure whispered to my ears that I SHOULD and MUST take advantage of the strict all-black dress code and wear something that should not require me to be in an uncomfortable dress! It's not like I'm not fond of dresses (oh boy trust me I am!), it's just that I like to move around, that's all. Heh. So I wore a leather tube I bought way back (recycling is the key! haha!) and a black Mango leggings paired with black peeped toe pumps from Primadonna. And that's pretty much it! You see, it's actually very rare for a debut party here in the Philippines to have s strict all-black formal attire (based on experience.) so this one's definitely a check for risk-takers like Me! *winks*

Here are more photobooth and group photos/highlights from the debut. :)

The youngest among my cousins, Angelo.

Gelo and his Kuya Oyee.

With Nina and Nesthyne.

With Nesthyne.

Adriel is all grown up now! Like literally!!

With Pogi Daddy, Ansell!

More photos with my cousins.

The Parentals.

Sta. Maria Girls.

Photobooth Photos.

                                        

Since I'm an only child, my cousins are, by default, like my siblings already. I'm also one of the eldest so events like these means a lot to me as their "Ate". I'm very happy whenever I get to see them during events and still get along well despite differences with our own families. I remember growing up with them back when were still kids so I guess that made our bond stronger even though we now live miles apart. That, for me, is love. <3 -A